The Tribune reported that White played a role in a "secret clout list" and admitted students to the University based on their relationships with politicians, lobbyists or school trustees. The report included a relative of convicted Antoin "Tony" Rezko and that White had fowarded the admissions request on behalf of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

This information was according to 1,800 pages of documents obtained by the Tribune through the Freedom of Information Act.